This Christmas, the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is inviting the community to share the spirit of hope and generosity through the Vinnies Christmas Appeal 2025. The appeal ensures that families and individuals experiencing hardship can enjoy the dignity of a warm meal, support, and care during the festive season. It is a reminder that Christmas is not only about celebration, but also about compassion for those doing it tough.
Beyond the Christmas Appeal, Vinnies continues its year-round mission to support vulnerable Victorians. One of the most significant initiatives is the delivery of new homes through VincentCare Community Housing (VCCH), the Society’s designated housing provider.
In partnership with the Victorian Government and construction partners, VCCH is delivering new homes with projects in Footscray (opened October 2025), Wollert (Epping, opened in March 2025), Kennington (Bendigo due to open in 2026) and Maribyrnong where one of the project partners is the Catholic Development Fund. This housing build commitment will provide much-needed homes for hundreds of people waiting on Victoria’s social housing register. It represents a deeply satisfying and exciting milestone in Vinnies’ ongoing work to create brighter futures.
Victoria’s Big Housing Build is the largest-ever investment in social and affordable housing in the state – much needed and warmly welcomed. With a $5.3 billion investment over four years, the program will deliver 12,000 social housing properties, including the replacement of 1,100 public housing units. At least a quarter of this investment is dedicated to rural and regional Victoria, while $1.38 billion is allocated to the Community Housing sector to develop 4,200 new homes. A further 4,000 homes will be built on government land or spot purchased, to be managed by community housing organisations. Importantly, all new homes will achieve a seven-star nationwide energy efficiency rating, and specific targets have been set to ensure equity and inclusion: 10 per cent of homes will be for Aboriginal households, 2,000 for renters with a mental illness, and around 1,000 for victim-survivors of family violence.
The Vinnies Christmas Appeal 2025 shines a light on the immediate needs of families this festive season, while projects like the Big Housing Build demonstrate the Society’s long-term commitment to tackling disadvantage and building stronger communities. Together, these efforts reflect the breadth of Vinnies’ mission: providing both urgent relief and lasting change for Victorians in need.
With continued support, the Vinnies Christmas Appeal can bring dignity, hope, and joy to families who need it most.
Our Conferences are always looking for new members to assist in their work. If you are interested in joining or finding out more about Vinnies, please contact the Conference President(s) via the Parish Office.
Once again, we thank our fellow parishioners for their prayers and generous support for Vinnies work throughout the year.
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible and may be made by using the links to the parish conferences below:
Surrey Hills Wattle Park Conference
By: Kate Baines
Source and Image: Vinnies.org.au
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm